Chelsea face a Champions League shootout after defeat in Leverkusen

Chelseaâs miserable season took another turn for the worse with a defeat in Germany which leaves their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance.

Dejected: Drogba (Picture: Getty Images)

The result, courtesy of ManuelÂ Friedrichâs injury-time header, means the Blues must win their final group game at home to Valencia to qualify.

Both sides are level on points in Group E, although the Spaniards will be in confident mood after thrashing Genk 7-0 at the Mestalla.

Defeat at the BayArena will be even harder to take for Andre Villas-Boas after last Sundayâs home loss by Liverpool, which left his side 12 points off the pace in the Premier League. But it was all of their own making.

Chelsea were ahead thanks to Didier Drogba âs goal three minutes after the break, the Ivorian turning Friedrich before beating Bernd Leno with a powerful finish.

But former Stamford Bridge midfielder Michael Ballack highlighted his oldâs sideâs defensive frailties â made worse by the absence of the injured Ashley Cole â when he forced Petr Cech into two fine saves.

Yet Cech could do nothing when substitute Eren Derdiyok equalised 17 minutes from time, heading home a Sidney Sam cross, and Friedrich pounced from a set-piece in stoppage time to condemn Chelsea to defeat.